Month: July 2015

Prior to departing for two weeks in Israel, I have pre-written my Shabbat emails for these travel days. So any big news that happens while I’m away will be covered in emails upon my return home. I am often asked the reason I write these emails and my top reply is, always…enjoyment. I truly relish the creative and research process of looking for interesting and newsworthy information to share with you and selecting graphics, cartoons and photos to highlight the topics. I’m hoping all this research is good for my brain. But I also appreciate vacation down times when thoughts of returning to my computer are on sabbatical. After nearly 6 years and about 300 consecutives Shabbat emails (I’ve never missed a week), it is now my hobby/habit to reach out to friends and family each Friday morning to wish you “Shabbat Shalom”. I plan to continue these weekly messages until my brain and/or fingers no longer work…hopefully for a very long time.

RFK’s love for Israel

With Israel as today’s topic, here is a story from a few weeks ago about Robert F. Kennedy and his daughter, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, who attended the Herzliya Conferenceto memorialize his life and pay tribute to his commitment to Israel. It was his devotions to Israel that cost his life at the hands of Palestinian, Sirhan Sirhan.

Aug. 6th will be the first Republican Debate and as I’m writing this, it is unclear as to which 10 candidates will get to attend. Should be very entertaining with the wide variety of characters.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom,

Lisa

Condolences to dear friend, Wendy Stone and her family, on the passing of her father, Sanford “Sandy” Eichenhorn z”l at the age of 77. Sandy was the past president of Adat Shalom and grandfather to 10 grandchildren. May Sandy’s memory be a blessing to all who loved him. Special hugs and love to Wendy, Josh, Zach and Rachel on their loss.

Addendum

I found a few minutes to update this week’s email. On the saddest day of our Jewish calendar, Tisha b’Av, our beloved 104 year old Aunt Chilly passed away. Her life was filled with love, family, health and she possessed a very optimistic attitude to the every end. She was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

Remember, I’m on vacation, so no breaking news this week or next week.

Please join us Aug. 18th to help support Senator Chuck Schumer with his re-election. Please email me if you’d like to attend and I’ll give you more details.

Ever wonder why we vote on Tuesday. Most people including politicians don’t know since the answer is… no good reason whatsoever. It started when we used to take a horse and buggy to the county polling station which took one full day to get there and we couldn’t leave on the Sabbath (Sunday). Hence, Tuesday was chosen. There is an organization that is trying to help us climb from one of the lowest voter turnout countries up a few rails by making it easier to vote. Check out their site: http://www.whytuesday.org/

Tomorrow we fly 6,000 miles east to Tel Aviv to visit our son, Mataan, who currently lives there and will, soon, be joining the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). For those of you reading this message in Israel, let’s make some plans. This also means for the next two weeks, these emails will be devoid of current commentary on hot topics since I pre-write them while on vacation. But for this week, I might be a bit long winded. There is lots to talk about…

Iran Deal

To start, I am a proud and staunch progressive Democrat and I wish I could support our president with this Iran Deal, but after another week of analysis, I’m starting to lean away. There are some who feel that this is the only pathway to peace, but despite the complicated nuclear mumbo jumbo, the overall outcome could be far more simple yet far less peaceful. Iran was economically starved and socially isolated due to the sanctions. They needed this deal to ease their wallets and gain global status. Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, strongly believes in the destruction of Israel and death to her BFF, America. As he approved the deal he also continued his commitment and passions to wipe Israel from the face of the earth. This is not rhetoric but their true intent. With this deal, if he abides by it, Iran will be prevented from obtaining a Nuclear Bomb for the next 15 years in exchange for billions of dollars and international acceptance with sanctions relief. After 15 years, there is no mechanism in the deal to prevent an Iranian nuclear bomb. At that time, Iran will be wealthy and won’t need to make another deal so, unless there is a regime change, they will still hate Israel and covet her destruction. Within the 15 years and as they acquire their wealth and prestige, they will continue to strengthen their support of dear friendsHamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, Syria’s Assad and others. But not Daesh (self proclaimed Islamic State). They hate each other. They compete on opposite teams. Iran is Shia and Daesh is Sunni. Another factor is that most Israelis on the wide political spectrum (even the far left) are concerned with the agreement. The reason is that the deal is silent on Iran’s proxy terrorism which is aimed squarely at the Israeli population. Before the deal, Iran had less money to spend on terrorism, but after the deal, their bank accounts will increase and their efforts to strengthen Israel’s backyard foes, Hamas and Hezbollah will swell. It’s not only about the potential bomb in the future, its also about today’s ordinary Israeli life and the increased terrorism that will exist due to a financially flush Iran. Even the Administration accepts this fact as they are promising added military aid to strengthen Israel’s defense. Thanks, but how about diminishing the capability of their aggressors. The 60 day Congress count is on and after they vote, the Iranian Parliament is suppose to weigh in on their opinion as they too have the right to reject the deal, but most believe they got the sweeter end so a rejection on their side is unlikely.

Common Sense

Our neighbor to the north, Canada sees the true colors of the Iran Dear and plans to keep their sanctions tough and strong. Canada is torn between two good friends yet is clearly leaning toward her falafel favorite. But just because Canada doesn’t agree with the deal doesn’t mean we’ll abandon our friendship, just as those on both sides of this deal should continue to stick together on the wellbeing of Israel and other common concerns.

This Sunday, July 26th, is our Jewish observance of Tisha B’Av. It is a Fast Day (no food or drink) that commemorates the destruction of our 1st and 2nd Temples which occurred about 656 years apart but coincidentally on the same Hebrew calendar date of Tisha (9th) day of the month of Av. As the Iran Deal is debated, some feel history could repeat itself with another attempted destruction of our “Temple” Israel but just as we’ve survived all past attempts we, too, will survive this one with continued hope (Tikvah) for Peace and security.

Destruction of a Soul

A combination of Mental Illness, Drugs/Alcohol, Islamic Martyrdom Brainwashing, hatred of the US and automatic weapon accessibility seems to be the cause and effect for the recent murder of 5 military men in Chattanooga last week. The terrorist killer chose his targets carefully which represented his “home” country and his disapproval of the war we are fighting. The victims were brave soldiers who risked their lives to protect us. Many had been on numerous tours of duty, many had received awards and Purple Hearts. They were sons, brothers, husbands and friends whose lives were senselessly cut short.

Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan, 40

Navy Petty Officer Randall Scott Smith, 26

Sgt. Carson A. Holmquist, 25

Staff Sgt. David A. Wyatt, 35

Lance Corporal Squire K. “Skip” Wells, 21

Brute Force

It seems everyday an innocent person loses their life due to a deadly police encounter.The most recent are Sandra Blandwho was found dead in her cell after a traffic arrest and Samuel Dubose who was shot on a Cincinnati street corner. They are added to a very long list of police brutality victims. But the one that boiled my blood is 17 year old Michiganer, Deven Guilford, who flashed his lights to indicate to the driver approaching him that his brights were on. That driver was a police officer and for the 3rd time that night he pulled over another driver who thought his lights were too bright. But this time it ended in Deven’s death by 7 gunshot wound and no punishment for the police officer. Warning, this video is frustrating to watch but it is a call to action:

Police officers, Firefighters and all civil servants are due appreciation and respect and most are good and decent people, but when bad apples kill and brute force dominates the public perception of the police, something must change. With videos everywhere, we are aware of abuses which hopefully will force more protections and training.

Kids in poverty

The Annie E. Casey Foundation released its survey of Children in poverty this week and sadly the percentages increased between 2008 and 2013. Remember, 2008 was our “great recession” and five years later should have produced more optimistic results for our poorest Americans. 22% or 16 million kids in 2013 lived in poverty. Though stats aren’t available for 2015 when our unemployment rate is down to 5.3 from 2013’s rate of 7.5, assumptions are hopeful that kids, today, are a bit better off. Mississippi had the highest rate at 34% while Alaska and North Dakota shared the lowest rate at 12%. We, in Michigan, were a bit above the average at 24%. Kudos to Michigan League for Public Policy and Gilda Jacobs on their efforts to combat Michigan’s poverty problem. Here is the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s interactive website on this topic:

After 5 decades, our Cuban Embassy in the US and ourAmerican Embassy in Cuba are back in business. The Diplomatic Therapy sessions guided by Pope Francis worked and hopes for a future prosperous relationship is on track. The Cuban flag was raised on Monday in DC and the US flag will be raised in Havana next month when John Kerry drops in for a visit. Issues that still need to be resolved are the Trade Embargo and Gitmo but Congress will need to provide their 2 cents.

Detroit Art World

An exciting Art Space is moving from Brooklyn, NY to Detroit, MI. Their loss; our gain. Galapagos, a performance and cultural space that’s livened the city of Brooklyn for the past 20 years has chosen to move the whole kit and caboodle to Detroit. Why not… we have a great revitalization going on and warehouse space is cheap. http://www.galapagosdetroit.com/

From one financial crisis to another. As Detroit is on the mend after negotiating her way through a bankruptcy, her county, Wayne, is now facing the financial emergency road.http://tinyurl.com/o7tlxvh

The Guardian Building – Wayne Co. Cathedral of Finance

Class of 1978

Due to more financial rightsizing, my city of Farmington Hills plans to close my alma mata, Harrison High School, built in the 70s. Good Bye, Harrison Hawks, though I’ll still have my varied memories of High School days.

Nature has a message for us and she sounds very much likeJulia Roberts. She’s not too happy with the way we’ve been caring for her and unless with change our damaging ways, Nature might be living on her own in the future. Check out this stunning video: http://natureisspeaking.org/mothernature.html

Famous Cousins

Amy and Chuck are 2nd cousins once removed. Of course I’m talking about the Schumers. We saw Amy’s movieTrainwreck last weekend and experienced some wonderfully intense belly laughs and of course Chuck will be at our home Aug. 18th (my shameless plug for you to attend the fundraiser). This will be a great opportunity to hear firsthand about the Iran Deal Senate debate Here is an interesting lightning round interview with the Senator.

Rest in peace multi-talented, award-winning singer, actor and human rights activist, Theodore Bikel (age 91). His credits include originating the broadway role of Captain Von Trapp in the Sound of Music and for portraying Tevye in Fiddler more than 2,000 times. He was one of the Newport Folk Festivalfounders and continued his social, political and Jewish activism throughout his life. His beginnings started on a Kibbutz in the pre-Israel era of 1924 which led him to perform at Tel Aviv’s premier theater, Habima in 1943. We had the great pleasure of meeting him and being awed by his musical talents last month when he sang with Peter Yarrow and David Broza at a NYC event. I found this video of him as a young (handsome, I might add) man singing a beautiful folk song, “My Side of the Mountain”.

Prayers and thoughts go out to the family and victims of yet another shooting at a movie theater last night in Lafayette, Louisiana. 6 people were injured and there were 2 deaths, including the gunman.

Ohio’s Governor John Kasich is our newest player to join the campaign game, though if you peek below, you’ll see I’ve added a new Party. We’ve got Democrats, Republicans and newly formed, Spotlight Grabbing Narcissist Party.

Please join us on Aug. 18th to help us support Senator Chuck Schumer with his re-election. Please email me if you’d like to attend and I’ll give you more details.

The long awaited, negotiated Iran Deal is now in the hands of our Congress for the next 60 days to inspect, reject or accept. Bibi has already rejected this agreement though he, most likely, would have rejected any agreement. The Iranian Leadership is downright evil and hell-bent on Israel’s destruction. Their trustworthiness is void of respect and any promises they make must be accepted with a grain of salt. So, how do we deal with a nation like Iran? Six countries, with negotiators far more astute and informed on the situation, than any of us, crafted this diplomatic deal. AIPAC, Saudi Arabia, Lindsey Graham (and a growing list) all agree with Israel that this could be a Big Mistake. But the Big Question is, will this arrangement prevent Iran (within the next decade) from concocting that Nuclear Bomb? Would No Deal and continued sanctions halt Iran’s Nuclear ambitions? With or without a deal, will Iran continue to dabble and deal in Terrorism. No one has a Crystal Ball but either way Iran will continue to require close scrutiny on all of their nefarious global activities. Another important questions is what will it do to our American Jewish Community who loves Israel and for the sake of Israel must continue efforts and allegiances in both our Democratic and Republican Parties. We can not let this wedge us even further apart than we already are. We are one Peoplehood who must agree to disagree yet respect each other’s opinions.

One Nation

Speaking of Oneness, We are also one Nation that should not be superseded by rogue cities, counties or states creating contradictory laws that divide us. Sanctuary Cities that protect illegal immigrants, rogue county clerks who prevent gay marriage licenses should abide by our Federal Laws as without laws we would live in chaos. 200 cities, counties and two states (Rhode Island and North Dakota) are Safe Havens/Sanctuary Cities for criminal illegal aliens. Sadly, a young woman was killed this month in San Fransisco by a illegal criminal immigrant who sought protection in SF from deportation. Fixing our immigration policy is of vital interest to the wellbeing of our country (but not with any of Trump’s ideas). We need to be more welcoming, forgiving, accepting of the hundreds of thousands of immigrants who could contribute greatly to our society. We are a nation built on immigrants and it’s time we remember our origins and adjust our close minded xenophobic actions.

License to Parent

We need a license to drive a car. We should be required to obtain a parenting license to learn the humane skills of raising children. It is absurd that basic parenting (the most important job) isn’t taught in school. No one knows what goes on behind closed doors, but children should always take precedent in a squabbling divorce situation. The kids in last week’s high profile case are now at Camp Tamarack and the parents and Judge should take this time to get their Sh*t together.

Hero to Racist

Are we the same person at age 20, 40, 60 or 80? We all evolve, change attitudes and beliefs, and leave this world very different than we arrive. We hope to improve as we age yetAtticus Finch seems to have degenerated (in old age) from an idolized defender of race to a possible racist himself. His older self was created by Harper Lee prior to his more famous, beloved earlier image. His older persona was hidden away for decades but now that it is illuminated, can we glean knowledge from this older Atticus about ourselves and our society?

Bravo and BS

Bravo to President Obama‘s humane act of commuting the sentences of 46 nonviolent drug offenders (one was from Michigan) this month (bringing the total to 89) as their punishments didn’t fit their crime. Each received a letter encouraging them to make the best of this 2nd chance. This week he became the first sitting president to visit a federal prison to see first hand the reforms that are needed.

Bravo to the Semi-colon Campaign which brings awareness to mental illness and suicide. A serious issue which is in need of greater understanding and financial support in helping to find treatments and cures.

Bravo to the creator of this simple video. As an addendum to last week’s mention of “Dr. Huxtable’s” misguided understanding of Consent. Here is a brilliant analogy that every Human should watch and share that simplifies the meaning of Consent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGoWLWS4-kU

Bravo to all of the 2015 Emmy Nominations, especially my favorites: Amy Schumer, Jeff Daniels, Matt LeBlanc, Maggie Gyllenhaal, This Week Tonight with John Oliver and the list goes on and on. Here is that very, very, very long list:

Photo Captured July 13th at 1/2 Million miles away. Check out the Heart “tatoo” on the lower half of Pluto.

With the heart of Pluto in mind, wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom,

Lisa

Condolences to Karen,Tony, Bradley and Jodi Levin on the passing of Karen’s father, David Schwartz z”l. May his memory, spirit and love bring comfort to Karen and her family during their time of mourning.

Rest in peace, Egyptian actor and Bridge Master, Omar Sharif(age 83) and thanks for your brilliant portrayals in Lawrence of Arabia and Dr. Zhivago. His bio is quite interesting. http://tinyurl.com/OmarBio

When it comes to the rules of courtship, “No means No” and an affirmative “Yes” is needed for consent. These rules hold true for all, including famous “moral” hypocrites, but how do you punish a lifetime of “mickie slipping” and unconscious assaults over dozens of decades, against dozens of women. Bill Cosby will hopefully pay the price for his unconscionable actions. We have one life and one reputation; Appreciation and protection are due for both. Cosby’s reputation is already tumbling down as well as his statue at Disney World which was removed this week. I see more future damage to his “charmed” life down the pike.

Quds Day

The Iran Deal has (again) been postponed and this new deadline falls on Quds Day (today, Friday July 10th). What is Quds Day you ask…? It is a national holiday in Iran (established 1979) that coincides with the last Friday of Ramadan. Basicly, Quads Day is meant to unite the global Muslim community to protest against the State of Israel and proclaim their legitimate right to Palestine, in other words, the destruction of Israel. The day is “celebrated” with parades, speeches and lots of “Death to Israel” chants. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quds_Day

So, hopefully a (good) Iran Deal would eliminate their ability to liven up Quds Day. But, if there is to be any agreement, it must include these 5 protective requirements (according to AIPAC). http://tinyurl.com/5IranDealRequirments

It does seem younger Iranians are a bit less fanatical against Israel than their elders, but only time will tell if or when Iran will ease up on their hatred. For now, they must be kept clear of any nuclear weapons.

Backward Coalition

One step forward, two steps back…Israel has returned power to the Ultra-religious party (again) as (two months ago) the current government’s coalition formed and “reformed” religious decisions like conversions (who is a Jew) and divorces back to shtetl era. Under the (ultra-religious) Shas Party, only strict conversions will be accepted which affects 350,000 “religion-less” Russian Israelis and most Reform and Conservative (converted) Diaspora Jews. And divorce proceeding under Shas has a reputation of being discriminatory against women. Two more concerning issues of this religious coalition is the ultra orthodox educational system which barely teaches core curriculum (like Math and Science) and military or national service to the country. Unemployment and poverty are of deep concern for this community. Progress was being made to integrate the ultra orthodox into the Israeli society but this movement will now be curtailed. Though here is an example of progress that was made to help employ some of these men in the high-tech industry. I hope it continues:

Congrats to the US Women’s Soccer team for winning their 3rd World Cup. If you live in NYC, you can attend today’s Ticker-Tape Parade to celebrate the champs.

Every Girl

Bravo to the Girl Scouts of Western Washington. Good deeds do get recognized as a $100,000 returned donation morphed into a $300,000 crowd-raised reward. The first 6-figure gift was returned to the donor after stipulations were demanded that the funds were never to benefit transgender girl scouts. Trying to replace the money by crowd-funding proved 3 times as successful once their story and policy was revealed that “Girl Scouts is for Every Girl”. Wish the Boy Scouts would take note of this inclusive montra and join the 21st century, though they are making slow progress.

Bravo to the legislators and Governor of South Carolina as they quickly debated and agreed to remove the confederate flagtoday at 10am. The flag was absent following the Civil War but was hoisted back up in 1961 for the war’s centennial anniversary. Rather than taking it down, South Carolinians kept it flying as a protest against the Civil Rights Movement. Its removal today does represent a step in the right direction however equal civil rights are still being denied to many within our society.

Poor Judgement

The local Gorcycas reputations are shot. Judge Lisa and her husband (former Oakland County prosecutor) David, have proven themselves to be insensitive to the wellbeing of our county’s children. Both have now removed innocent children from loving parents. The latest case concerns Judge Lisa Gorcyca as she placed three siblings in juvenile detention (till they are 18) because they refused to see their father whom they witnessed abusing their mother. Now the kids ages (9,10 and 14) are separated from each other and their mother. This is how Judge Gorcyca is teaching the kids a lesson for disobeying her ruling even after the kids tried to explain why they don’t want to see their dad. She needs to be removed from the bench and given training on how to act Humane.

Sentencing this week takes place for local Dr. Farid Fata for his money scheming method of overtreating patients with cancer and lying and prescribing chemotherapy treatment to many others who didn’t even have cancer. This man is despicable and unremorseful of his actions and deserves life without parole.

RIP Beekeeper, hippy and founder of Burt’s Bee, Burt Shavitz(age 80). Through a rapid rise to fame, Burt and his business partner Roxanne Quimby built an empire that Burt rejected. He got out early with $130,000 for his share before Clorox bought the company for nearly $1 Billion. Roxanne did compensate Burt a few million in the end, yet Burt continue to live the hippy lifestyle and shoned the wealth road.

Making Shiva Calls is a mitzvah and responsibility in our community. Sometimes it is uncomfortable but here is an article that I wish I had read years ago. It gives simple advice on how to respectfully paid a condolence visit. For example, Silence is OK…Attempting to bring Cheer is not appropriate…Don’t phone a Shiva house…Timing is important. The complete article is well worth the read and might just ease your next Shiva visit. http://tinyurl.com/ShivaVisit

Collaboration

Please enjoy this wonderful song “Another Day” song in three languages: Hebrew, Arabic, English and performed by 20 musicians playing numerous instruments.

The documentary about Amy Winehouse is coming out this weekend though not everyone is thrilled with the portrayal. Amy’s father, Mitch Winehouse, feels the film is inaccurate regarding their family’s depiction, so he plans to create another movie to include his view and more of her friends. Both sides would agree that her talents were immense and tragically cut short. Here is a sample of her mesmerizing voice singing a Carole King/Gerry Goffin tune, “Will you still love me tomorrow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuanbnnzXQ4

For more info, please contact Kim Easter 734-222-9650 or events@michigan.org

Please save the date of Aug. 18th if you’d like to help us support Senator Chuck Schumer with his re-election. Please email me if you’d like to attend and I’ll give you more details.

Interesting facts about our candidates…

Democrats (5)Hillary Rodham Clinton – Won a Grammy in 1997 for Best Spoken Word Album of her audio book, “It Takes a Village”.Bernie Sanders – He can read Hebrew.Martin O’Malley – He’s the frontman of a Celtic Rock Band.Lincoln Chafee – He was the Brown University Wrestling Team Captain.Jim Webb – Was a US Marine and the only candidate who is a combat veteran.

Republicans (14)Jeb Bush – JEB are his initials and stands for John Ellis Bush.Ted Cruz – Was born in Canada to a Cuban father and American mother.Rand Paul – Opposes all Gun Control Regulations.Marco Rubio – Was baptised a Mormon and loves the Osmonds though is now a Catholic.Ben Carson – Was the first doctor to separate conjoined twins who were connected at the head.Carly Fiorina – First woman CEO of a Fortune 100 Business.Mike Huckabee – Plays bass guitar in Classic Rock band, “Capitol Offense”Rick Santorum – CEO of a Christian Movie distributor and opposes the teaching of Evolution.George Pataki – His wife, Libby, founded pro-Israel non-profit, One Jerusalem.Lindsey Graham – Has never been marriedRick Perry – Longest serving Texas governor since 2000Donald Trump – Filed for Bankruptcy 4 timesBobby Jindal – His real name is Piyush but picked Bobby after his favorite character, Bobby Brady.Chris Christie – Attended 130 Bruce Springsteen concerts

Right Direction
On the eve of our Day of Liberty, we celebrate a milestone in history with the legendary Supreme Court decision equalizing the Institution of Marriage. Though, these are celebratory days, the fight for equal rights must continue to cement All Rights for the LGBT community as currently some States and Cities still allow (meaning there are no laws preventing) Job, Housing…discrimination. Also, Marriage Equality does Not decimate our Freedom of Religion so those concerned with Clergy being required to marry gay couples is unfounded and inflammatory. Yes, much work is still needed to iron out the legal wrinkles and State by State implications and compliance refusals, but bravo to Justices Kennedy, Ginsburg, Breyer, Sotomayor and Kagan for weighing in on the right side of this decision. And bravo to these companies for supporting and promoting (with creative ads) the Marriage Equality decision: http://tinyurl.com/35ProEqualityCompanies

More Decisions

Seems SCOTUS is working overtime to handle the docket of decisions before the holiday vacation. Here are the major issues:

– Protected ObamaCare (twice)

– Equalized Marriage

– Gave Arizona voters the right to establish independent commissions to draw districts. Michigan needs this ability to prevent/correct partisan redistricting.

– Our State of Michigan won against

the Environmental Protection Agency because the EPA didn’t consider the cost of Air Pollution regulation. Not a great decision for our air quality but good for the Michigan purse.

– Permits the use of a (subpar) Lethal Drug for Death Row injections as (“standard”) Punishment vs. Cruel and Unusual.

– Allows Texas Abortion Clinics to stay open during the appeal process that is fighting restrictive requirements.

Texas Bias

Speaking of the lovely State of Texas, the Attorney General declared that State Workers can refuse to issue Gay Marriage Licences if it offends their religious beliefs. This is idiotic and illegal as (last checked) Texas is still part of the US and must abide by Federal Law. Louisiana and Mississippi have also followed suit with their bias.

Greece owes (and can’t pay) 1.6 Billion Euros to the International Monetary Fund (but her full debt is 323 Billion Euros). Puerto Rico is in debt to the tune of $72 Billion. Hopefully bailout plans and restructuring will help ease the financial crisis of both countries so our global economy can continue to grow and prosper.

Global Terror

3 major terrorist attacks occurred last week. 38 people were killed on a beach in Tunisia. In Southern France, a victim was decapitated and 27 people will killed in a Kuwait Mosque.Daesh (self-named Islamic State) continues to be emboldened to inspire global evil terror. How do we fight this lopsided war. Feels like we are using a squirtgun to combat a forest fire. How can we get the brainwashing of hate to stop?

Brave Act

Though it was illegal, it sure was ballsy and timely. Kudos toBree Newsome for scaling the SC State House flagpole Saturday morning to take down the confederate flag. She was prepared to get arrested (which she was) and unfortunately the flag was quickly returned and now awaits debate and votes from the SC Congress which hopefully will fast-track its legal removal.

Bravo to Jewish Senior Life for opening our region’s only Elder Abuse Shelter (based on a NYC model). Sadly, elder abuse is rampant throughout this country and the majority of the abusers (90%) are family members. For more info on our new Elder Abuse Center, please call (248) 661-0123

Potential Future

As we celebrate our Independence from Great Britain and with the state of our affairs, some believe we should rethink our separation. If that were possible, here is what the Queen would say, including 15 humourous rules (yes, I spelled that correctly), my favorites are #s 4 & 5:

We will be celebrating Independence Day in Eugene, Oregonwith our daughter, Liat and her boyfriend Andrew. Due to our travels, this Shabbat message was sent to my system midweek so if any major news happened after it was written, I will include it in next week’s email. Hope you enjoy your Holiday Weekend. Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom and Happy 4th of July!

Lisa

Please save the date of Aug. 18th if you’d like to help us support Senator Chuck Schumer on his re-election. Please email me if you’d like to attend and I’ll give you more details.

RepublicansJeb Bush – Released 33 years of tax returns
Ted Cruz – “I like Donald Trump, I think he is terrific”
Rand Paul – Government should be out of the Marriage business
Marco Rubio – Gained financial status from his political career
Ben Carson – Revealed he doesn’t really want to run for president
Carly Fiorina – 2nd place in Western Conservative straw poll
Mike Huckabee – Hopes for repeal of gay marriage
Rick Santorum – Next president must stop Gay Marriage
George Pataki – I couldn’t find anything recent in news about him
Lindsey Graham – Says Confederate Flag is a roadblock for SC
Rick Perry – Colorado is wrong on their marijuana laws
Donald Trump – You’re Fire! from NBC
Bobby Jindal – “State workers can’t be forced to support gay marriage”
Chris Christie – Newest entry into race